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By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer  

HELENA – Due to ongoing health issues, Councilmember Chris VanCleave announced his resignation from the Helena City Council on Monday, Nov. 25.

Although VanCleave was unable to attend the meeting in person, Council President Alice Lobell read a public statement from him to those gathered at the council meeting.

“In February, I was hospitalized for a heart ailment, during which my medical team discovered a malignancy on my pancreas,” the letter from VanCleave read. “While the overall prognosis has been good, complications have persisted, and my doctors have strongly encouraged me to cut back on my commitments and prioritize my health and well-being.”

In light of his doctors’ recommendation, VanCleave will be resigning effective immediately from his position on the Helena City Council.

“I have wrestled with this decision for several months, and I know that this is the right decision for me,” VanCleave said. “With immediate effect, I’m resigning from the Helena City Council. To my fellow council members, mayor and city officials, thank you all for your unfailing support this past year, and I wish you all the very best.”

On the Helena City Council, VanCleave served as the chairman of the Helena Beautification Board and Helena’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. He is also a member of the Alabama League of Municipalities.

In addition to his council experience, VanCleave is a senior vice president at a Fortune 500 bank based in Birmingham. Over his 28-year career, VanCleave specializing on process improvement and operational excellence.

VanCleave has been a proud resident of Helena for the past 15 years.

“While I am stepping away from my role on the council, and retire from public life, I remain hopeful for Helena’s future,” VanCleave said. “I am confident that the next generation of leaders will continue to build upon the foundation we have laid together. Thank you, Helena, for your support, encouragement, and the opportunity to serve. I will carry the memories of our work together in my heart as I focus on my health and personal well-being.”